On 18 October, Damen Shipyards Group and idD Portugal Defence signed a letter of intent (LOI) to boost collaboration in shipbuilding and further integrate Portuguese industry into the global naval value chain.

With this move, Damen and idD Portugal Defence will work together to identify synergies to support the development of a sustainable maritime sector in Portugal. The two parties undertake to share knowledge related to shipbuilding and maritime technologies and to further integrate Portuguese suppliers into Damen's supply chain.

The inking of the LOI took place at an Industry Day hosted at Damen's headquarters in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. The Industry Day follows a similar, earlier event held in Portugal. During the event, numerous Portuguese maritime and defence sector businesses, together with governmental agencies, came together to share knowledge and start developing the cooperation.

The delegation included Carlos Félix, Head of the Board at idD, Daniel Vultos, Board member at idD, Susana Duarte, Marketing and Communications at idD, José Neves, Head of the Board at AED, Raúl Lourenço, Defence Manager at AED, Miguel Porfírio of AICEP, Defence attaché Captain Sérgio Silva Pinto, and Commander Nelson Morais of the Portuguese Navy.

The LOI builds on an existing, strong relationship between Damen, industry and the Portuguese authorities and industry. An example of this cooperation is the recently commenced construction of a Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Portuguese Navy, following Damen's successful participation in a tender process last year.

The project is funded by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) that is part of NextGeneration EU (the economic recovery package to support EU member states affected by the COVID-19 pandemic).

Damen has extensive experience in involving local industry in its shipbuilding projects. This spans everything from local companies building Damen vessels when required, to the inclusion of those companies in Damen's international projects.

Damen's portfolio is not limited to the defence & security sector. The shipbuilder is active in all segments of the maritime industry internationally. This holds the potential for Portuguese companies to enter a supply chain network also supporting diverse commercial projects internationally, with the potential to develop long-term export opportunities.

Head of the Board at idD Carlos Félix, said, "We are grateful for the trust that Damen has placed in us, and we remain committed to meeting the high expectations set up for this partnership. Together, we will ensure that the Portuguese Navy is equipped for the challenges of tomorrow, while fostering the development of a strong and competitive naval industry in Portugal."

Damen Regional Sales Manager for Spain and Portugal Carlos González Martín said, "On behalf of Damen, I am delighted with the signing of this LOI. This demonstrates Damen's commitment to seeking cooperation opportunities with the Portuguese industry for potential projects that Damen intends to develop, for Portugal and also worldwide. The LOI is indicative of our shared values of innovation, sustainability and operational excellence and paves the way to the further development of this collaboration in potential projects that may come soon. I'm very much looking forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with our Portuguese partners in the years to come."